IBM has invested in the development of products and services specifically priced and designed for the SMB marketplace. It comprises hardware, software, services, solutions and financing, and is designed to meet specific criteria for SMBs.

 These offerings are delivered through a sales and marketing team of 6,000 people and a network of 90,000 business partners, organised in 243 local sales territories around the world.

 "The SMB-size businesses have been relatively ignored in smaller cities throughout India. There is an untapped market here to help these businesses gain a competitive edge and catch up with their larger counterparts," says Ramesh Narasimhan, Director (GSMB), IBM India.

 IBM's portfolio of clients in Goa includes Sesa Goa, Chowgule Industries, Government of Goa, Pentair Water, among others. IBM plans to work hand-in-hand with local ISVs to provide new and existing clients with additional value-added solutions that are specifically tailored to the local market

 He adds, "Opening our operations in Goa is an example of IBM's continued commitment to working closely with SMBs throughout India to provide them products, solutions and value-added offerings that will give them the boost to get ahead and succeed."

 With over 3,000 SMB customers in India, IBM's operations in Goa will target various clients in government, healthcare, retail, pharmaceuticals, construction and process industries.

As the fastest growing sector in IBM India, the global small and medium business unit is ready to address this growth and offer SMBs the solutions and technologies critical to their survival in the challenging Indian market.

Mid-market companies have distinct needs often ignored by most service providers. IBM's technologies and solutions for Indian small and mid-size businesses provide a competitive edge in this era of globalisation.